Hamas and Israel have reached a ceasefire agreement that puts an end to the war in Gaza, after 15 months of fierce fighting.
The deal, announced on Wednesday, January 16, 2025, involves three phases that will end Israeli military operations in Gaza, return the remaining hostages and release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. It is set to take effect on Sunday, January 19, 2025.
However, the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has not yet formally approved the ceasefire deal.
Ceasefire Deal Announcement
The outgoing US President, Joe Biden, announced that Hamas and Israel have reached a ceasefire and hostage deal, after months of intensive diplomatic efforts by the US, Egypt and Qatar.
The deal will put an end to the fighting in Gaza, increase humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, and return the hostages to their families. The US President added that the deal is based on the plan he proposed in May 2024, which the UN Security Council endorsed.
A Three-Phase Ceasefire Deal
According to the agreement’s draft, published by the Associated Press (AP), the first phase of the ceasefire deal, expected to last for 6 weeks, will see Hamas gradually releasing 33 hostages including female civilians and soldiers, children and civilians over 50.
In return, Israel will release 30 Palestinian prisoners for each civilian hostage and 50 for each female soldier. There will be a halt in fighting and Israeli troops will move out of populated areas in Gaza. Displaced Palestinians will start returning to their homes, with more aid delivery to Gaza.
Negotiations on the second phase should begin on Day 16 of the ceasefire. Hamas should release all remaining hostages in exchange for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a “sustainable calm.”
The third phase includes returning the bodies of the dead from both sides, the implementation of Gaza reconstruction plan under international supervision, and reopening border crossings for movements in and out of Gaza.
Heavy Bombardment
Shortly after announcing the ceasefire deal, Gazans took to the streets to celebrate the news. In response, Israel intensified its bombardment, killing at least 83 people in Gaza, the highest daily death toll in over a week.
According to CNN, the spokesperson for Gaza’s Civil Defense, Mahmoud Basal, said that the victims include 23 children and 27 women.
Israel Delays Approval
Israel’s cabinet was supposed to convene on Thursday to approve the ceasefire agreement. The deal must get the approval of the security cabinet and government to become official, according to Reuters.
However, Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, delayed the meeting, claiming that Hamas was creating a “last-minute crisis,” without providing details. Hamas rejected the accusation, stressing its commitment to the deal.